Austin Reaves’ Buzzer-Beater Secures Lakers’ Thrilling 116-115 Win

UPDATE: Austin Reaves delivered a last-second floater to clinch a thrilling 116-115 victory for the Los Angeles Lakers over the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 15, 2025. This decisive shot capped off a phenomenal night where Reaves scored 28 points and dished out 16 assists, further solidifying his emerging star status.

With key players Luka Doncic and LeBron James sidelined, Reaves has stepped up significantly, showcasing his skills in a week of remarkable performances. Just days earlier, he exploded for a career-high 51 points against the Sacramento Kings and followed that with 41 points versus the Portland Trail Blazers.

The game-winning moment came with 6.6 seconds remaining. After receiving an inbounds pass at center court, Reaves split a double team featuring All-Defensive team members Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, driving into the lane for a stunning floater that left the crowd in disbelief.

“That guy is going to show up in the big moments,”

said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He praised Reaves for his ability to perform under pressure, a skill that was vital as the Lakers faced a late-game challenge from the Timberwolves, who had surged back with a 14-2 run to take the lead.

Reaves reflected on the victory, stating,

“Everybody is looking at me, and in those situations, you have to be calm, be confident and lead your guys through it.”

The Lakers had held a comfortable 20-point lead earlier in the game, but the Timberwolves’ late rally tested their resolve.

This win marks the Lakers’ second victory of the season against Minnesota, a team that eliminated them in the playoffs last spring. Reaves noted that the playoff upset was on his mind, and the late-game triumph provided a sense of redemption.

As the Lakers improve to 3-2 this season, they continue to battle through injuries, missing not only Doncic and James but also Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber. Despite these challenges, the team’s spirit remains high, with Reaves emerging as a pivotal leader.

Reaves’ performance also highlighted contributions from his teammates, with four other Lakers scoring in double digits. Notably, Jake LaRavia shone with 27 points on an impressive 10-for-11 shooting performance. Reaves credited his teammates, saying,

“We wouldn’t have been in that position [to win] if it wasn’t for everybody that chipped in tonight.”

LaRavia, who joined the Lakers this offseason, lauded Reaves’ leadership, emphasizing his role in rallying the team during tough times. “He’s a dog, he’s a leader, he’s a competitor,” LaRavia stated, highlighting Reaves’ impact on the court.

As Reaves continues to rise in the NBA ranks, he has quickly become one of the top scorers of the season, trailing only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. This surge in performance is a testament to his dedication to the game, nurtured from a young age by his family’s love for basketball.

With a promising trajectory ahead, Reaves remains focused on the challenges that lie ahead, stating,

“It’s been a fun week. But there’s a lot of basketball to go.”

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Lakers look to build on this momentum in the coming games. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.